It’s
almost Christmas, and we are in the thick of winter, which means officially it is the hot cocoa, or hot chocolate season. The tasty beverage, with a thick consistency, is loved by people of all ages, as it not only satiates your taste buds but also helps you stay warm when the temperature drops.
What is hot chocolate?
For the first time, the Mayan civilisation of Central America claimed to have consumed cocoa. It was brought to Europe by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century, and it immediately gained popularity as a remedy that promoted health. Crushing cocoa beans and extracting the fat results in cocoa powder. While the hot chocolate recipe may differ a little everywhere, reflecting the local cuisine and culture, the drink is a treasure trove of health benefits. The absence of cocoa butter makes hot cocoa substantially lower in fat than hot chocolate while still maintaining all the antioxidants that help keep the free radicals away.
What are the health benefits of drinking hot chocolate?
The main ingredient in hot chocolate – cocoa is loaded with various healthy elements, which include antioxidants like flavonols and phytosterols that quickly lower LDL cholesterol levels in your blood – thereby protecting against any early heart ailments, coronary diseases, or heart attacks.
Enhances heart health
Hot chocolate helps preserve your heart health. According to studies, chocolate is also helpful in the treatment of atrial fibrillation - the most common irregular heart rhythm where your heart's upper chambers quiver rapidly and irregularly due to chaotic electrical signals, leading to a fast, uneven pulse and inefficient blood pumping, increasing stroke risk, heart failure, and fatigue. Consuming hot chocolate regularly also prevents atherosclerosis, a condition that increases the risk of heart disease due to fat buildup in the arteries.
Helps in weight management
While it may be thought otherwise, hot chocolate helps with weight loss and management. According to studies, flavonoids in cocoa improve insulin sensitivity, which reduces the risk of diabetes and controls weight gain, especially the stubborn belly fat.
Is anti-inflammatory
Since hot chocolate is loaded with antioxidants, it has anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation causes many serious and severe health issues, which include cancer and heart disease.
Improves skin
The flavonoids in cocoa can also benefit your skin by protecting it from ultraviolet damage, improving skin hydration, and enhancing circulation. Studies say cocoa consumption could improve skin texture and appearance.
Boosts brain health
Your brain benefits from daily cocoa, too. Hot cocoa supports healthy blood flow to the brain, which may help with focus and memory. Some studies have even linked regular cocoa intake with improved brain performance, especially in older adults. These effects are among the long-term hot cocoa health benefits that come from consistency. A daily cup may support your mind in a quiet, helpful way.
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